Thursday, 22 February 2018 10:55

New Massey boss rings in changes

Written by  Peter Burke
Massey University vice chancellor Jan Thomas. Massey University vice chancellor Jan Thomas.

We must stop thinking about agriculture in the traditional sense, says Massey University vice-chancellor Jan Thomas.

She told Rural News that she would like to think of graduates of many other colleges at Massey – besides agriculture and veterinary – moving into jobs relating to the wider primary sector.

In the past year, Thomas has developed a new strategic plan for the university that will better align its courses with industry needs and ensure its teaching methods meet the needs of the digital age. Changes have included separating out the veterinary school as a stand-alone college and bringing other aspects of agriculture into one large college. 

Thomas says it is now important to see agriculture through a different lens and be aware of the digital era, with innovations such as remote sensing playing an increasing role. 

Graduates in agriculture must have a wide range of skills that prepare them for their future roles, she says. Students need to spend time with industry as part of their degree course and understand and be able to work in the rapidly rising Maori economy.

“I want all our graduates – pakeha, international or whatever – to be able to work effectively in the Maori economy in a way that is respectful and that recognises the culture. To be a successful New Zealander you need to be successful in that space,” she says.

Some staff have criticised Thomas's restructuring.

More like this

The power of the puggo stick

A Massey University lecturer has devised a simple No. 8 wire device to help shed some light on how to improve the persistence of plantain in dairy farm pastures.

Science supports NZ's reputation

Farmers, scientists, rural professionals and policy makers from around the country last week converged on Massey University in Palmerston North for the 36th annual workshop of the Farmed Landscape Research Centre.

Beware - FE is here!

A disease that costs the primary industry more than $200 million a year is potentially coming to a place near you soon.

Featured

Dairy sheep and goat turmoil

Dairy sheep and goat farmers are being told to reduce milk supply as processors face a slump in global demand for their products.

Hurry up and slow down!

OPINION: We have good friends from way back who had lived in one of our major cities for many years.

Editorial: Passage to India

OPINION: Even before the National-led coalition came into power, India was very much at the fore of its trade agenda.

National

Knowing bugs means fewer drugs

A mastitis management company claims to deliver the fastest and most accurate mastitis testing available at scale for New Zealand…

Machinery & Products

100 years of Farmall Tractors

Returning after an enforced break, the Wheat and Wheels Rally will take place on the Lauriston -Barhill Road, North-East of…

JD unveils its latest beast

John Deere has unveiled its most powerful tractor ever, with the launch of the all new 9RX Series Tractor line-up…

Biggest Quadtrac coming to NZ!

In the biggest announcement that Case IH Australia/New Zealand has made around its tractor range, its biggest tractor is about…

A different shade of blue for Norwood

Norwood and ARGO Tractors, the Italian manufacturer of Landini and McCormick tractors, have announced an agreement that gives Norwood exclusive…

Kubota tests diesel engines

Kubota last month used the UK LAMMA Show to test the water with its new 200hp, four-cylinder 09-series diesel engines.

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Why?

OPINION: A mate of yours truly wants to know why the beef schedule differential is now more than 45-50 cents…

Fat to cut

OPINION: Your canine crusader understands that MPI were recently in front of the Parliamentary Primary Sector Select Committee for an…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter